Dear Editor:

Although not a resident of the town of Boothbay, I travel through the historic village of Boothbay Center more times than I could ever count, more times than I ever should on any particular day, and depend on it for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Although the route from West Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Trevett would be more circuitous under the new roundabout proposal, it appears to provide safer and faster traffic flow than the current stop sign at the Civil War monument.

After an initial concern that the more immediate safety problems near the intersection of Country Club Road and the gas station were being ignored, I understand those problems will be dealt with comprehensively with a goal of safe travel at that intersection.

The Boothbay Selectmen have so far done an impressive job in analyzing the tax and engineering complexities and should be commended for the way they have listened to different points of view. They might also consider the opportunities Boothbay Harbor lost when it decided not to purchase what is now the Signal Point property, for waterfront access, or the Bath Savings property, for a town office and fire station, for what even then were modest amounts. They might also remember that around 1992, Boothbay Harbor refused the offer of a state of Maine grant that required a match by the town to install brick sidewalks, granite curbing and attractive lighting downtown. The state grant was snapped up by Boothbay and matched by a generous donation from the Boothbay Civic Association of the former Leavitt's Garage land. The new Boothbay town office was constructed at very little expense to the taxpayers, and Boothbay hit a home run. A few years later Boothbay Harbor eventually installed what was similar to the 1992 rough draft proposal at 100 percent cost to the town.

The current roundabout proposal is another chance for the town of Boothbay to again hit it out of the park and continue to lead the way in improving the Boothbay region.

Bill Logan

West Boothbay Harbor